BASKETBALL:BELFAST STAR have defied the odds to reach the play-offs of the Nivea For Men's SuperLeague but face a tough proposition away to UCC Demons in Sunday's quarter-final.
UCD Marian were favourites to secure that final play-off place in the Northern Conference but they endured a collapse since beating 11890 Killester in the final of the National Cup.
Star failed to win either of their games against Bord Gáis Neptune and Ulster Elks on the final weekend of the regular season but UCD’s defeat to Killester resulted in the Northern side progressing by virtue of the head to head between the two sides.
Belfast Star will be heartened by their displays against UCC Demons this season, going down 83-81 at home in October before a 10-point loss away in February.
“I wasn’t overly concerned by the two losses last weekend,” said Star head coach Danny Fulton. “I have seen it so often in the past when it comes down to the final few games in the regular season. We have given Demons two good games this year so we have a real chance if we play well.”
Demons head coach Paul Kelleher has pinpointed two players he believes could cause his side problems this weekend.
“Scott Summersgill and Clayton Longmire are explosive scorers and in recent weeks their younger players have contributed heavily in their success so far,” said Kelleher.
“Any team that can defeat Killester on their own patch twice has a lot of qualities.”
Neptune’s third-place finish in the Southern Conference has left them with a tough trip to 2011 surprise packages DCU Saints.
The Saints have won eight out of their nine games in 2011 and Neptune head coach Pat Price believes his side go into the clash as underdogs.
“With Saints having home court advantage it is truly a David and Goliath challenge,” said Price. “However, we believe if we can emulate our performances of our last couple of games we will give ourselves a great chance.”
Saints’ Irish international Emmet Donnelly is hoping his side can bring their excellent form into the knock-out stages.
“There is great strength of character and belief within our squad so if we can bring that into the quarter-finals then we’ll give ourselves a chance to make the semi’s,” said Donnelly.
FIXTURES – Sunday – Men’s SuperLeague Quarter-finals: UCC Demons (Cork) v Belfast Star (Antrim), Mardyke Arena, 3:15; DCU Saints (Dublin) v Neptune (Cork), DCU Sports Complex, 3:30
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